Meche offered salary arbitration so Mariners will get draft pick

The Mariners offered salary arbitration to free agent Gil Meche, although the club is certain Meche will be pitching for someone else come April.

Technically, Meche has until Thursday to accept arbitration. But the reality is that he is weighing his options, among whom are the White Sox, the Blue Jays and the Mets. Sources suggest Toronto is the likeliest destination for the right-handed starter and that he will decline arbitration.

By offering arbitration, the Mariners will get a high draft pick when Meche signs elsewhere.